Personal Pride/Grooming Habits

[Broompilot]

Van Drivers have a more difficult time taking showers etc.. Than C D E units. Thats a given. But I ask this question spending $9.00 every three or four days is this asking to much? Are the dollars so tight in this business that one cannot afford the luxury of hot or cold running water to wash that stink off ones body?

Does the nose after being around ones self after a few days without bathing begin to ignore the Stench?

I was with the perfect Poster boy for Expediting Yesterday, hair groomed in the typical pillow treatment for days on end, no hat on, no attempt to comb this birds nest in days. The smell, well I could explaine it but flushing a toilet is as nasty as I care to let you understand in writing this.

How could a company dare to let someone with such low standards drive around with their signs advertising their services? After all this is the service industry and to let ones standards be set so low is in my opinion just gross and humiliating. I was actually ashamed to be considered part of this industry with what I saw yesterday.

 

[Packmule]

Broom,
I don't think being a Van driver has anything to do with it. It's just as easy for a Van driver to walk in and shower as someone in a C, D, or E unit. If they get a Flyin J Frequent Fueler card and use it with each fill up they will get a FREE shower with every 2 fill-ups.
I don't feel that the person you described would be any different if He/she were in a bigger truck, and it's questionable if it would be different at home. Some people are just Trashy (for lack of a better descriptive word).
Spend some time in Europe (France) and you will really appreciate the American bathing habits.
I do agree with what you are saying about representing the company they work for and this industry by using a little more pride in their appearance. I have seen the type of driver you described many times, and not just Expediters but from many of the Large trucking companies.
It's just a matter of Personal Pride and thoughtfulness to others.

Danny

 

[Broompilot]

Let me back up, I just said it is easier for them. I agree and this is not to shame any Van Drivers its ALL EXPEDITERS. So no offense at you Van Drivers.

 

[Fr8 Shaker]

I have to agree with Packmule, there is nothing hard about being able to get showers because you drive a van. I drive a van and I shower everyday for the most part. The only reason I would miss a day would only be because of time. ie. Just woke up by QC with a load offer worth taking and has to be picked up right away. Even then I usually make up enough time on the way to stop some where and get in a shower. I usually shower at the J because they are free because of gas purchases and they are always the cleanest for the most part. If there is no J available I'll try to find a decent independant truck stop because the are usually cheaper for showers, mostly about 5 bucks, Also I have gotten several free showers at a TA usually just by going to the fuel desk and asking if any drivers happened to leave a shower coupon behind. I've had some just print me one up and say enjoy your shower. I look at that as customer service, but I guess it may help also if you don't really look like you need one. So in return I also use a TA if no J is available. And Pilot is my last choice because they are not driver friendly, they just want your money then want you to get the hell out. But I too have ran into too many drivers with bad hygiene, or their just off the wall that I just pretty much keep to myself except for drivers I have known over the years. I also think that this business has alot of people in it that I call unemployable, whether it's their hygiene, their a few fries short of a happy meal, their that know-it-all type thats going to tell their new boss how he should run his business, their really strange or all of the above. Anyway If I owned a company they wouldn't be driving for me and representing my company.

 

[lanier1]

I addressed this very issue with my carrier just a few days ago while at the home office. They pointed out to me that if the drivers are driving for a fleet owner chances are they have never met said driver. Thats not to say thats always the case becuase as we know they are pretty much hiring anyone they can get qualified right now.

 

[jaminjim]

Broom, you can't talk about then there Fed-ex drivers like that.}>

 

[Moot]

Broom, I didn't realize that was you. Thanks for buying me breakfast and giving me that shower coupon.

 

[greg334]

Broom,

I have run across people who for a lack of a better word just plain stink. Their van stinks and they carry it with them. I don’t mean like a dog has been living in the van but that horrible smell I experienced over in Africa that makes my stomach churn.

But with that said, it is not limited to van drivers, I have sat next to a couple trucks that open up their windows and I have to shut mine, the trucks are really bad.

Also some time ago there was a post with a self contained shower unit that all fits into a small container and has a pump on the base to pump out the water, etc.. anyone know what I am talking about or know the link?